Multi-Focal Optics for Wearable Heads-Up Display Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable display devices often suffer from optical distortions and limitations in providing clear, focused displays due to the use of single focal lenses or lenses with fixed optical powers, which can lead to discomfort and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multi-focal lenses with transition regions and optical redirectors to dynamically adjust optical power, allowing for seamless transitions between different focal points and reducing optical distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single focal lenses or fixed optical power lenses are used in wearable display devices, then the device structure is simple, but optical distortions occur and display clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple focal regions (first focal region, second focal region, third focal region) with different optical powers, allowing light from the same light engine to be focused at different distances. This segmentation enables the lens to provide clear displays at multiple focal distances simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and display clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties (optical powers). The first focal region has a first optical power for distant focus, the second focal region has a second optical power for intermediate focus, and the third focal region has a third optical power for near focus. This local differentiation of optical quality allows the lens to maintain clarity across varying distances while preserving overall structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If multi-focal lenses with transition regions are used, then display clarity across varying distances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into distinct focal regions (first, second, and third focal regions) separated by transition regions. Each focal region corresponds to a specific viewing distance, and the transition regions facilitate smooth optical transitions between these regions. This segmentation strategy improves display clarity at multiple distances while maintaining a relatively simple integrated lens structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens incorporates transition regions that enable dynamic optical transitions between different focal regions. These transition regions allow the optical power to vary continuously or gradually between the discrete focal regions, providing seamless focus transitions that enhance user experience while avoiding the need for mechanically adjustable components.
3Productivity
If optical redirectors are positioned to redirect light through transition regions, then light redirection efficiency is improved, but optical distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical redirector is positioned and oriented to redirect light specifically through the first focal region or second focal region, avoiding the transition regions. This localized light path selection ensures that light passes through regions with stable, well-defined optical powers, minimizing optical distortions while maintaining efficient light redirection to the user's eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical redirector acts as an intermediary component that directs light from the light engine through specific focal regions of the lens to the user's eye. By strategically positioning and orienting the redirector, the system mediates between the light source and the focal regions to optimize both light redirection efficiency and optical quality, avoiding distortion-prone transition regions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user comfort by providing clear and focused displays across varying distances, improving the overall usability and visual experience of wearable display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lens carried by the support structure, the lens including a first region having a first optical power, a second region having a second optical power different from the first optical power, and a first transition region between the first region and the second region
Implementation Method 2
an optical redirector positioned and oriented to receive display light from the light engine and redirect display light towards an eye of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and assemblies for implementing multi-focal lens portions in wearable heads-up displays are described. Multi-focal lens portions may include at least two regions having different optical power, and at least one transition region between regions having different optical power. If display light is directed through a transition region, aberrations or distortion may be visible in the display presented to the user. The present systems, devices, and assemblies address this issue through shaping, positioning, and orienting of regions of a multi-focal lens portion, through positioning, orientation, and aiming of display optics, and/or through arrangements of lens assemblies which prevent display light from travelling through a multi-focal lens portion.